11 Tips for Erectile Dysfunction 

11 Tips for Erectile Dysfunction 

Erectile dysfunction (ED) gets increasingly common among older men. However, it doesn’t have to be this way – here are 11 tips that can help prevent ED, no matter your age. 

• Diet

Your diet has a tremendous impact on your overall health. If your diet is unbalanced and unhealthy it can lead to heart problems. 

ED, especially among older men, is often due to circulatory problems. Heart disease or consuming a diet that puts you at risk for heart disease can also negatively impact blood flow to the penis. 

If your diet is full of processed food, and lacking in vegetables and fruits, then it has a knock-on effect of reducing circulation throughout your entire body, a diet that supports heart health also helps prevent ED. 

• Maintain a healthy weight

Being overweight can cause a host of health issues and often being overweight and type 2 diabetes go hand in hand. Diabetes damages nerves, including nerves around the penis, and this can also cause ED. 

• Manage blood pressure and cholesterol 

Blood pressure problems and abnormally high cholesterol levels can damage nerves and also cause circulation problems – all of which contribute to ED. It’s always a good idea to get accurate blood readings from a doctor, especially as you get older. 

While medication prescribed for high blood pressure can also sometimes cause ED. This is not always the case, and sometimes the ED is a result of arterial damage from chronically elevated blood pressure. 

• Moderate alcohol consumption

While mild or moderate alcohol consumption may not directly cause erectile dysfunction, heavier drinking certainly can. Regularly drinking high amounts of alcohol can cause liver problems, disturb the hormonal balance, and cause nerve damage. 

Due to alcohol being a depressant, consuming high levels of it at once (or binge drinking) may temporarily impact the ability to have erections. 

• Exercise regularly 

Problems with circulation are one of the biggest causes of ED. Studies show that men under 40 who exercise regularly have better erectile function than men who don’t. Running, swimming, walking and any other form of aerobic exercise are greatly beneficial in preventing or helping treat ED. 

If you spend a lot of time cycling, it’s important to stand up frequently while cycling, wear padded pants, and ensure your bike fits properly. Cycling while sitting down for a long time can disrupt the area between the scrotum and anus (the perineum), which can potentially contribute to ED. 

• Try Kegels

While Kegels are commonly associated with incontinence, they can also benefit men with ED. What are Kegels? They are exercises which involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic muscles. These muscles support healthy erections, so training them can provide some benefits. 

• Manage testosterone 

As men age, their testosterone levels can fall. Men of any age are vulnerable to this, and symptoms of low testosterone can include low sex drive, moodiness, and trouble making decisions. The good news is that your doctor can check your testosterone levels, and hormonal replacement is an option. 

• Avoid anabolic steroids

Anabolic steroids rapidly alter your natural hormonal profile and can, over time, harm your body’s ability to synthesize testosterone in the testicles. This can also potentially lead to ED.  

• Stop smoking

Smoking harms blood vessels throughout the body, including the ones around the penis. Nicotine makes blood vessels contract and depletes nitric oxide (which enhances circulation)  – this can cause problems with blood flow and also contributes to ED. 

• Avoid injuries

Just like any part of the human body, the penis can get injured. Positions that place an undue amount of stress on this area of the body can lead to painful and very embarrassing trips to the hospital. 

• Reduce stress

Too much stress can also be a cause of ED. Stress that leads to high levels of anxiety or elevated levels of cortisol and adrenalin can deplete the body and lead to problems in the bedroom. High stress can be one of the biggest psychological reasons behind a sudden bout of ED.